"Why Mommy? Why am I so different?" Katlit asked. "Because God has a special place in His heart for you and did not want you to be like everyone else," Mommy said, smiling as she looked down at her precious daughter. "He has a special purpose for you, and we are going to have a great life adventure trying to figure out what that purpose is." Katlit didn't really understand, but she loved her mother so much, it didn't really matter.
School was starting today. A brand NEW school and Katlit's mother was very concerned that her daughter would be ridiculed by the other children. They have been through this before. In fact they changed schools because of it. The last principal had a difficult time adjusting to her illness. He didn't know how to talk to Katlit. My poor little girl, she didn't know what was going on. "Mommy, will the kids laugh and stare at me at the new school?" Katlit asked worriedly. "Does my new dress look good with my yellow skin? Maybe the kids won't notice" Katlit asked hoping I would give her the answer she wanted.
"Katlit, remember you are special," Mommy said, "All the other kids look alike. God wanted to find you quickly when He needs you." Katlit's mother was desperatly looking for just the right words. "You are His special angel. You know how color makes the world a beautiful place. "Don't all those flowers painted with their purples, yellows, and reds make you smile?" She saw her daughter finally smile back. "God wanted to smile when He looked down at you." "Katlit, you, my daughter, is God's own bright light. "He sees you with your bright yellow skin admist all the chaos in the world. That makes God smile." Katlit feeled so much better after that. Her Mommy always helped her feel better.
Daddy went to work after giving Katlit a hug and kiss. He told her to have fun in her new school and we would see her when she came home. Katlit loved her Daddy. He was so big and strong, and he always new exactly what she needed. She was a lucky little girl. She had a Mommy and Daddy that loved her no matter what she looked like. She had a big brother that made fun of her sometimes, but in a loving way. Most of all she knew that God made her his special angel that so He could see in the dark. Life was good. Except she knew she will have to make that trip up the school stairs, walk down the hall, and hear the laughter and see the stares of all the children. Katlit said to herself, I have nothing to fear. Jesus is walking with me. He is right by my side holding my hand. The kids won't dare laugh now. Katlit was pondering over the things she wanted to happen today. I just hope I can find a nice friend. I would love to have a best friend. We would talk and share secrets and spend the night, but I know I can't. Those darn blue lights. I can't do anything I want. Daddy gets so sad when I go under the lights at night. I can see it in his eyes. I hate the lights, but I know I will die if I don't have them. I just want to have some friends over and play dolls,and giggle all night. Oh well, maybe some day.
Katlit walked into her new classroom. The kids stared; some whispered to other kids. But, I didn't hear any sounds. No laughing! Maybe these were special children too and God warned them to be nice to me. Mommy held my hand, and walked me over to meet the teacher. Mommy said, "Katlit, this is Miss Sunshine." She is going to be your new 3rd grade teacher this year." Miss Sunshine was already aware of Katlit's rare disease giving her skin a yellowish tint. Hi, Miss Sunshine. You have a yellow dress on that matches me!" Miss Sunshine looked down at Katlit. She kneeled down so she was on the same level. "Katlit, my that is such a pretty name. I love the color of your dress! It makes your skin just glisten. You are very beautiful! Come, sit down in the front row by Nicole. She will show you around and introduce you to all my special children." Katlit let go of her mother's hand. She kissed her mother goodbye and told her not to worry. She had a new friend. With that, Katlit sat down next to Nicole and felt very much at home with her new friend in her new school. Katlit's mother left the room feeling better than she had in years. Maybe this time it will be different, she thought, as she went down the steps to her car. She said a silent prayer, Thank you Jesus for giving Katlit a friend.
At the dinner table, Katlit was so excited as she was telling her daddy all about her day at her new school. Her brother was making his usual teasing remarks. Katlit just ignored him because she would not let anything ruin her day. "Quess what Daddy? I have a wonderful teacher, and, I have a best friend. Her name is Nicole and she is special too." "All of God's children are special Katlit, but what makes Nicole EXTRA special?", daddy asked. Katlit was all too happy to answer that question. "She has a hard time reading. The words are all mixed up." Daddy just smiled, because he knew what was coming next. After all, it has been eight years of holding and loving this child. He knew her so well. He had the most beautiful and caring daughter. She wanted to help anyone who was in need. He loved her so much and was so proud of how she handled her illness that sometimes he felt his heart was going to come right out of his chest! Katlit suggested, "I thought maybe Nicole could come over here and while I am under the lights, I could help Nicole with her reading!" You don't think she will be scared of my blue lights do you daddy?," looking up almost in tears. Katlit's mommy and daddy just looked at one another. They both remembered many years of difficult times and now finally knew this was going to be a great adventure for their daughter. She will have a best friend to giggle with, share secrets and finally have those overnight slumber parties. Daddy took Katlit in his arms and said "Honey, she has you, as HER best friend. Together, you will both conquer the world, and neither one of you will ever have to be embarrased or afraid of anything again!" With that, Katlit slid off her chair, kissed her mommy and daddy and went to use the phone to invite her very own best friend to her house.
